Seing as there is less than 8 weeks to go to the 'big day', was curious to hear from anyone else running in this years event i.e. whether first time or repeat entrant, how is it, what to watch out for, training and kit advise .... Cheers

It must be your fifth this year PH, as it will be mine if I pull my finger out and enter. I agree completely although the first year's t-shirt is still the best albeit a bit worn and smelly now. That was my first marathon though so I'm definitely not binning it.

In terms of what to watch out for Meon, one word - Hills. I recommend practising running both up and down them in the next 3 weeks, the bigger and longer the better. If you haven't got any near you then do a few mile reps on a treadmill at +5 or above. Running down them can be equally challenging - there are a couple of very long (1-2m) descents that will fry your quads so any down-hill training will also come in handy.

Look at the route profile on 2:09's web-site to get an idea of what to expect. Resign yourself right now to walking up them at some point as I think even those in contention have to at some point.

On kit, it's usually hot and I've done it in normal road shoes every year. The general consensus is usually that if it rains a lot in the week before then trail shoes might be better. But only plan for these if you have done some long runs in them previously - I discovered when training for it a couple of years back that mine made my little toes numb after 15m.

It's a great event and the presence of the relay runners means it's never lonely. Go for it!

I am up for this, I really enjoyed it last year and have been heading out to the South Downs regularly for runs ever since. I thought the organisation was great and the atmosphere of the event was brilliant.

I agree with Woody’s advice about training and shoes. I did it in road shoes last year and was fine.

Some of the views are fantastic and it is well worth taking your time and enjoying them… that’s my excuse and I am sticking to it!

I so want to do this. I ran London on Sunday and am suffereing with an injury sustained from that. If I was fine I'd be out running today. I am so cheesed.

The hill profile for this looks worse than Beachy Head. (which I am doing this year). Do you think it more gentle PH? There used to be a reat fly through of the course, don't know if it's still available.

Woody, thanks for the advise. I've run bits of the last half of the course to get a feel, and planning to run Cocking to South Harting on thursday. But, I think the furthest I've run in my trail shoes is about 8 miles, so will think about what you said there.

Mr.Guy, as this is my first ever marathon, I'm planning on taking my time, just finishing is my goal.

Patrick, sounds like you have it all worked out re timings.

Kate, I'm also planning to celebrate event more so that Saturday.

Bikermouse, I hope the injury passes soon, congrats on London.

I'll keep on training, have got my long Sunday runs up to 16 now, making the weeks total approx 40. Any advise out there for 'the wall' and how is that compounded when its met with a 45 degree hill too :0|

This was my first marathon in 2008 and I loved it. Beachy was my second 9and likewise). They differ mainly in where the hills are, Beachy has a lot at the end, SDM has quite a stretch on the level along the South Downs Way in the middle though I heard that the route may be changing this year (??). Harting around the 20 mile point can be a bit tough but the steepest bit (Beacon Hill is it?) is avoided.

Meon runner - if you've done the MVP I'd say this was no harder although that may be because the weather is usually better.

Organisation is brilliant with water and gels at checkpoints, coaches to the start from the finish, technical shirt and on one occasion shoe bag and socks at the end. The finish at The QE country park is great if you have support crew or are planning a picnic as most people hang around for a while. Nearest pubs however are a little further away

Ive also run it every year and, having done over 80 marathons, I think this is the best - and hardest - as the views are simply stunning once you are up on the ridge. But then I am biased, because I simply love the South Downs.

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